South Korea has reported 3,187 new cases of the coronavirus, nearly matching a one-day record set in September, a worrisome development in a country that eased social distancing rules in recent weeks to lessen the pandemics economic impact, AP reports.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said more than 2,550 of the new cases came from the greater capital area, including a record 1,436 in Seoul.

The country's death toll is now 3,137, after 21 deaths were reported on Wednesday — the 16th consecutive day of double-digit fatalities, including a record 32 on Saturday.